The 49ers are where the Raiders were three years ago – drastically undermanned, in the midst of unrelenting losing, and with Fort Knox-like money under the salary cap. Obviously, the 10-2 Raiders have made the right moves in hiring coach Jack Del Rio, drafting players like Derek Carr and Amari Cooper, and acquiring players like …

Marquardt is an intriguing development prospect the 49ers signed as an undrafted free agent last year despite his medical file. Marquardt broke his right foot about a week before Division II Azusa Pacific’s first game in 2012 and was sidelined for the season. …

After Jim Harbaugh said the running back was “working through” an injury that could limit him in the 49ers’ three-day rookie minicamp, Lattimore participated in warmup drills this afternoon before the practice was closed to the media after about 25 minutes. …

James’ absence came after a 2013 season in which he had just 12 carries and had expressed thinly veiled dissatisfaction on Twitter with his limited offensive role. In April, a source said James would welcome a trade, which fueled speculation his decision to stay in Texas was a form of protest. …

The 49ers, who are working to sign their most important offensive player to a contract extension, have restructured the contract of one of their most vital defensive players in a move that will create salary-cap space in 2014. …

Smith will be sentenced July 25. He faces a sentence ranging from probation to four years and four months behind bars, at the judge’s discretion, said Deputy District Attorney Brian Buckelew. He said Smith’s plea was not the result of a deal with prosecutors. …

As first-round picks who didn’t immediately meet sky-high expectations, Jim Harbaugh and his teammate, Bears running back Brad Muster, endured their share of criticism after they were drafted in back-to-back years in the late 80s. …

After it was noted here last week that 49ers’ third-round pick Chris Borland is one of four linebackers under 6-foot who have been top-80 draft picks since 1995, a flood of readers asked the question: Who are the other three short guys and how they did they fare in the NFL, Eric? …

Given that data, it’s understandable Johnson is thrilled to see what the 49ers have done to their offense since he was released in 2012. A day after he re-signed with 49ers, Johnson said the change at the top – from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick – has made the offense more conducive to his style. …